AccuRadio Song Of The Day-Billy Walker

Artist:Billy Walker

Song;Charlie's Shoes

Album:Well, Hello There: The Country Chart Hits and More 1954-1962

The 1962 single Charlie's Shoes was the only #1 country hit and the signature song for Billy Walker. He was around for decades mostly at the Grand Ole Opry. But he had most of his chart success in the 60s. He did not cross over to pop. He was born Jan.14, 1929 in Rails, TX. After his mother died, Walker and his two brothers were placed in an orphanage in Waco. When their father remarried, they moved in with him. While in high school, Walker won a talent contest and appeared on the radio in New Mexico. He was also a big Gene Autry fan. After graduating from high school, Walker joined the Big D Jamboree on KRLD radio in Dallas. When Hank Thompson heard him, he got Walker a record deal at Capitol. After two singles for Capitol, Walker signed with Columbia in 1951 and remained there until 1965. Walker joined the Louisiana Hayride radio show in Shreveport. Of course that's where Elvis Presley got his start. Walker also appeared on the ABC TV show Ozark Jubilee. And he scored a top ten country hit with the 1954 single Thank You for Calling. After playing the Texas bar circuit, Walker moved to Nashville in 1959 and joined the Grand Ole Opry. After releasing the 1961 album Everybody's Hits But Mine, Walker finally got that big hit when the 1962 single Charlie's Shoes topped the Country Singles. Columbia only released it as a single which makes me think that they were thinking of getting rid of Walker if his chart performance didn't improve. It was on the 1963 album Billy Walker's Greatest Hits. You can get Charlie's Shoes on this Jasmine Records CD of Walker singles. Charlie's Shoes was produced by Columbia Nashville house producer Don Law and written by Roy Baham. It was Baham's only number one country hit. After leaving Columbia in 1965, Walker recorded for Monument, MGM and RCA. He had some success but faded by the mid 70s and then recorded for small labels. He also recorded gospel for Word. Walker continued to appear regularly on the Grand Ole Opry until he died in a van accident on May 21, 2006 at age 77. His wife and band members also died. Here's Billy Walker performing Charlie's Shoes on the TV show Country Style U.S.A.